• Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki, Japan’s most successful golfer, has passed away at 78 due to colon cancer.
• He won 113 tournaments worldwide, including 94 on the Japan Golf Tour.
• Ozaki was the first Japanese golfer to rank in the top 10 at the Masters in 1973.
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, Ozaki influenced many future golfers.
• His legacy continues to inspire generations of golfers in Japan and beyond.

Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki, widely regarded as Japan's greatest golfer, died on Wednesday at the age of 78 after a battle with sigmoid colon cancer, which he had been diagnosed with about a year ago, according to the Japan Golf Tour Organisation. His impact on the sport was felt deeply, as he won a remarkable 113 tournaments throughout his career, making him a national icon in Japan according to SCMP and India Times.

Known for his powerful swing and charismatic style, Ozaki recorded 94 of his victories on the Japan Golf Tour, with his final win coming at the ANA Open in 2002 when he was 55 years old. His consistent performance allowed him to lead the money list a record 12 times, including five consecutive years from 1994 to 1998, highlighting his dominance in the sport according to the LA Times and SCMP.

Ozaki made history in 1973 as the first Japanese golfer to finish in the top 10 at the Masters, finishing eighth. He also participated in 49 major championships throughout his career, with his best finish in the 1989 U.S. Open, where he placed three shots behind the winner. While he never secured a victory in the United States, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, reflecting the significance of his contributions to golf India Times and LA Times.

The legacy of Ozaki extends beyond his tournament victories; he is often likened to Arnold Palmer in his influence on Japanese golf, inspiring countless players. According to the World Golf Hall of Fame, “His success has spawned an entire generation of Japanese golf professionals, both male and female.” Ozaki expressed gratitude for being able to dedicate his life to the sport, reflecting on his career with pride, although he noted, “My only regret is not playing more outside of Japan” according to SCMP and India Times.